Abus City Chain X-Plus 1060

This super-tough chain and integrated lock is a well designed and nigh-on impenetrable portable security solution. You might not like the price, but you can't argue with the performance.

The main body of this lock is a 10mm hexagonal section chain which is securely attached to the locking unit. The loose end is a shaped link which locks directly into the mechanism, something Abus call a 'Powerlink'. It means there's no weak link where a thinner shackle locks the chain together, as there is in many chain lock designs. You get two keys, one with an LED light which is a nice touch.

The first thing I thought was that I'd be able to pull the Powerlink out of the lock mechanism, as it seems like it would be a weak point anyway, but no amount of pulling or twisting with the persuader would make it budge an inch. Attacking the insert point with hammers and various pointy things didn't help either: The plastic cover came off but only to reveal a depressingly solid looking lock unit.

The big bolt croppers came out next but the hexagonal profile of the links meant they kept slipping off. Eventually we did get some purchase but we weren't able to get through the links before our five minutes were up, in fact we only managed to make a small dent in the link.

All in all the performance was excellent, but you'd expect it to be for the wrong side of a hundred quid. Okay, if you are riding around on an expensive bike then an expensive lock should be a part of your equipment too. But given that there's plenty of shackle locks (including Abus' brilliant Granit X-Plus) available for less than three figures you have to really want a chain and not a solid lock to be in the market for the City Chain.

Verdict

There's no faulting the performance: this is a lock that will see off all but the most determined (and power tool equipped) criminals. It drops a point for price though, as similarly secure shackle locks can be picked up for £20-£30 less

road.cc test report

Make and model: Abus City Chain X-Plus 1060

Size tested: 85cm

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Zyro tell us it's "the ultimate chain for all round bicycle security. The innovative city chain is built around a multi layered hardened steel lock body with powercell technology and the marvellous X-Plus locking mechanism. Hexagonal section 10mm hardened steel chain includes a “Powerlink” which fits directly into the lock body for extreme resistance to torque/pulling attack. "

Rate the product for quality of construction:

9/10

Solidly built, the plastic cover on the lock mechanism doesn't feel too solid but to its credit it survived all attacks without breaking, and snapped back on afterwards

Rate the product for performance:

10/10

We didn't break it!

Rate the product for durability:

9/10

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:

7/10

About the same as a comparably secure shackle lock

Rate the product for value:

6/10

It ain't cheap. But it is secure. But so are some shackle locks that are significantly cheaper.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Excellently. No problems at all

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The design makes it easy to use and the locking mechanism is positive. Nice to get a light on the key too.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It's a bit expensive

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36 Height: 190cm Weight: 100kg

I usually ride: Schwinn Moab, urbanised with 700cs My best bike is: Trek 1.5 with upgrades

I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

Dave is a founding father of road.cc and responsible for kicking the server when it breaks. In a previous life he was a graphic designer but he's also a three-time Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling world champion, and remains unbeaten through the bog. Dave rides all sorts of bikes but tends to prefer metal ones. He's getting old is why.

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